A restaurant and bar backed by Premier League stars has lost its first High Court battle over a decision to restrict its opening hours. 

La Sala, in Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, submitted a bid for later opening hours soon after being granted a licence allowing it to open until midnight in August of last year.

This was refused by Redbridge council's licensing committee.  

The owners requested a judicial review of the decison, which was denied.

However, a request for a oral hearing has been granted. 

The venue, which counts Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling among its investors and brands itself as a "celebrity haunt" will argue its case at the High Court on March 3. 

The venue wants to adopt a 'shadow' licence, which would increase opening hours used by Deuces Bar, which previously occupied the building. 

A council spokesman, said: "The High Court considered their application and based on papers submitted, refused permission for their Judicial Review. 

"The licence in question is a 'shadow' licence which all agree cannot at present be used because the premises to which it relates does not currently exist as described.  

"The council rejected the application under section 36(6)(b) of the Licensing Act 2003, which states that an application to vary a Premises Licence cannot be used to vary substantially the premises to which it relates."

La Sala was denied permission for nightclub hours in August but allowed to open until 11.30pm during the week and midnight at weekends.

Paul Canal, Conservative councillor for Bridge ward, said the venue's decison to take the matter to the High Court was an "abuse of process...at the expense of taxpayers." 

La Sala's operations director Barry Aldridge, said: "Due to the on going legal proceedings, at this stage it is not appropriate for us to comment further."